Uncertainty Overshadows Apple Due To Trump's Inconsistent Tariff Policy

JAKARTA Economic uncertainty has again haunted tech giants like Apple, following US President Donald Trump's decision to end the 90-day tariff break for countries or companies that do not make trade deals with the US government.

In a statement delivered at the Oval Building on Wednesday evening, April 23, Trump said that his party would soon set new tariffs in the next two to three weeks for entities deemed not committed to trade negotiations.

"If we don't have an agreement with a country or company, we will set the rate. In the next two or three weeks, we will set the numbers," Trump said, quoted by VOI from CNN.

Although the market has stabilized since the start of the tariff break on April 9th, Trump is said to be the Freedom Day the condition did not last long. Some countries, which were originally claimed to have negotiated, out of 90 countries, are now said to be only 15 active in dialogue with the US.

Apple has obtained several tariff exceptions, but the protection is also temporary and is expected to end in a few weeks or even days. As Trump's policy is uncertain, Apple is at risk of being exposed to additional rates, especially for products and accessories produced outside China.

Meanwhile, the basic tariff of 10% could increase by 50% for countries that do not agree on terms from the Trump administration. This includes new semiconductor rates that have the potential to further increase Apple's production costs.

Currently, Apple is still able to maintain its product prices thanks to stock management and careful supply chain planning. However, without clarity on the continuation of tariff exemptions, the price of the iPhone 17 line that will be launched this fall could jump dramatically, depending on how much additional costs will be absorbed by the company or charged to consumers.

Apple is now faced with great pressure to respond to the uncertainty of US trade policy. If there is no clarity in the near future, it is not impossible that global consumers will feel firsthand the impact of this trade tension through the increase in the price of Apple devices in the market.